SEMINAR: Personal discount rates on and off the farm

Longitudinal studies of populations have achieved significant results, for example the long-running study of the health of residents of Bunbury. So far however there have not been any economics equivalents. There is therefore very little knowledge about the way subjective economic variables change over time. But in fact, time series data of how WA farmers, and control groups, react to changing economic circumstances would be a valuable resource for farmers themselves, policy makers, business and the academic community. One of the questions that would form part of the study has been proposed to be personal discount rates, which may vary not only over time but between different social groups in the community - but there will be many others.

This seminar is about how UWA could take the lead in formulating and implementing this kind of study in Western Australia. Come along and help shape the project!